For Prevention of Colds and Flu : Homeopathic Treatments

For Prevention of Colds and Flu : Homeopathic Treatments

Homeopathic medicines can help prevent a cold as well as treat the symptoms. The remedies are available in most health food stores and online.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine pioneered by Samuel Hahnemann over a hundred years ago. The remedies work by treating along a specific Law of Cure, described as “like cures like.” Homeopathic pharmacies prepare the remedies according to a specific protocol that involve using the most minute doses needed for a cure.

Homeopathic Remedies to Prevent Colds and Flu

Both of these remedies are most effective when you are first coming down with a cold.

Oscillococcinum is made from the liver of a goose. Geese fly great distances each year. They are exposed to many viruses in their travels, and build up immunity in their livers to each. By taking this remedy, you gain that immunity. It is safe to combine with prescription medications, for children or the elderly, and causes no drowsiness or stimulant effect. There are numerous clinical trials showing good results using this product. It is useful for intestinal flu as well. DIRECTIONS: Oscillococcinum can be taken every 12 hours to stave off a cold.

Influenzinum is made from the same flu vaccine substances that are prepared by the World Health Organization. It is updated each year and the substance is prepared in dilute quantities, and then homeopathically potentized. The remedy is used instead of a flu vaccine to stimulate the body’s defense system in order to resist the season’s flu strains. Its action boosts the immune system. DIRECTIONS: Influenzinum is useful after first exposure, in the early stages of a cold, or as a preventative. Recommended dosage is once a day for a month.

Homeopathic Remedies for the Early Stages of a Cold.

Aconite is for that cold or fever that comes on within an hour of exposure to a cold wind. It works best in the early stages of an illness with a sudden onset of intense symptoms. The person needing Aconite feels thirst for cold water and restlessness and anxiety. The skin can be red and dry.

Ferrum Phosphoricum is a good remedy at the start of a cold when there are no clear symptoms or weakness with inflammation. There can be a low-grade fever. The cough is short and tickling and the head is sore and worse movement or cold.

Gelsemium can treat early symptoms of a cold. Gelsemium symptoms include dry throat, dry cough, runny nose, and achiness. The patient may be irritable or have chills running up and down the back. Gelsemium is also a good remedy for bronchitis.

Vincetoxicum treats a rapid onset cold (within 1-6 hours). The symptoms include weakness, leaden tiredness, aching bones and shivering. Vincetoxicum is useful for viral infections as well. The cough is spasmodic and the sore throat feels worse when swallowing. The patient has a low-grade fever but feels very hot, or they can alternate with feeling hot then cold.

Note: If you have a cold for more than 5-7 days, seek medical attention. Or if you become extremely lethargic or weak, visit a doctor immediately or head to the emergency room.